Acetazolamide for the Prevention of High Altitude Illness: a Comparison of Dosing
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Other Indications |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Other |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - Any |
| Updated: | 1/31/2019 |
| Start Date: | March 2012 |
| End Date: | November 2016 |
This is a phase 4, randomized, double-blinded interventional trial comparing alternative
doses of Acetazolamide for the prevention of High Altitude Illness.
doses of Acetazolamide for the prevention of High Altitude Illness.
Acetazolamide, or Diamox, is the standard medical prophylaxis agent for high altitude
illness. The medication is effective in preventing acute mountain sickness (AMS), high
altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Its mechanism is
via inhibition of the carbonic anhydrase enzyme which counteracts the respiratory alkalosis
which occurs during ascent to altitude. It facilitates the excretion of bicarbonate in the
urine. As a result, acetazolamide hastens acclimatization and helps prevent high altitude
disorders.
Current recommended dosing is 125 mg, orally twice daily, started 24 hours prior to ascending
in elevation. Side effects include tingling of the fingers and toes and perioral numbness
which may be erroneously interpreted as stroke symptoms. Since acetazolamide is a mild
diuretic, frequent micturition may occur leading to interruption of daytime activities as
well as broken sleep. These effects can affect safety at high altitude. Acetazolamide is
normally discontinued 2 days after the user has reached their highest elevation or a plateau
in elevation.
A lower dose may be just as effective in preventing high altitude illnesses while preventing
the disconcerting side effects resulting from its use. A smaller dose has not been studied,
however. We will compare the common dose of 125 mg twice daily with a lower dose of 62.5 mg
twice daily.
illness. The medication is effective in preventing acute mountain sickness (AMS), high
altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Its mechanism is
via inhibition of the carbonic anhydrase enzyme which counteracts the respiratory alkalosis
which occurs during ascent to altitude. It facilitates the excretion of bicarbonate in the
urine. As a result, acetazolamide hastens acclimatization and helps prevent high altitude
disorders.
Current recommended dosing is 125 mg, orally twice daily, started 24 hours prior to ascending
in elevation. Side effects include tingling of the fingers and toes and perioral numbness
which may be erroneously interpreted as stroke symptoms. Since acetazolamide is a mild
diuretic, frequent micturition may occur leading to interruption of daytime activities as
well as broken sleep. These effects can affect safety at high altitude. Acetazolamide is
normally discontinued 2 days after the user has reached their highest elevation or a plateau
in elevation.
A lower dose may be just as effective in preventing high altitude illnesses while preventing
the disconcerting side effects resulting from its use. A smaller dose has not been studied,
however. We will compare the common dose of 125 mg twice daily with a lower dose of 62.5 mg
twice daily.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18 years or older
- English or Indian speaking
- Mountaineers or trekkers who plan to climb Mt. McKinley or trek to Base Camp on Mt.
Everest
Exclusion Criteria:
- Low sodium and/potassium blood serum levels
- Kidney disease or dysfunction
- Liver disease, dysfunction, or cirrhosis
- Suprarenal gland failure or dysfunction
- Hyperchloremic acidosis
- Angle-closure glaucoma
- Taking high dose aspirin (over 325 mg/day)
- Any reaction to sulfa drugs or acetazolamide
- Pregnant or lactating women
We found this trial at
1
site
Salt Lake City, Utah 84132
Principal Investigator: Scott McIntosh, MD
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